What Size Propane Tank Does Your Home Need?

Our Handy Guide Can Help You Decide!

Propane tanks can last a while—decades, even—so if you’ve never had to get a new one, you may not know where to start. Whether you’re a new homeowner or you need propane for your business or other commercial use, the pros at Rand Wade Oil can help.

Tank Sizes Matter

Propane tank size is usually given as their water capacity volume in gallons. The exception is refillable tanks, which are often referred to in pounds. Since propane is stored in a liquid state under pressure, it needs room to expand into a vapor. That’s why propane tanks are “filled” to 80% of its water capacity.

For example, a 120-gallon tank will hold approximately 100 gallons of propane when completely full.

To know what size tank you need, you need to know how you will use your propane:

• 40- to 100-Pound Cylinders: If you plan to use propane for a gas grill, patio heater, outdoor cookstove or for an RV, a refillable portable cylinder tank is what you want. 
• 120-Gallon Propane Tank: This size tank is perfect if you only use propane just for water heating or space heating, or to fuel a range or clothes dryer.
• 150-Gallon Propane Tank: If you have one or two low-Btu appliances, such as a water heater, range, space heaters, wall heaters or clothes dryer, this tank should provide ample propane for those purposes.
• 250-Gallon Propane Tank: For three or more propane appliances like ranges, water heaters or fireplaces—but not a furnace or boiler—you may need to go up to this size.
• 500-Gallon Propane Tank: This is the minimum you’ll need if you heat your home with propane. You’ll have enough propane to also fuel appliances including fireplaces, ranges and water heaters.
• 800- to 1,000-Gallon Propane Tanks: For a large home or small commercial business heated with propane that also uses several propane appliances as well as high-Btu propane appliances like pool and spa heaters, you will need a tank of this capacity.

Once we’ve helped you determine the best size tank for your needs, our pros can help determine the best location for your tank and make sure it’s installed safely. With 45 years of experience behind us, we’ve installed tanks for all kinds of homes and businesses and dealt with all kinds of logistical and location challenges. We also offer prompt and reliable propane delivery service to homes and businesses across Greene County, Lenoir County, Pitt County, Wayne County and Wilson County.

Propane Tank Lifespan

Today’s propane tanks are built with safety and durability in mind. Aboveground propane tanks are designed to withstand the elements for 30 years or more before they need to be replaced. Some aluminum and composite cylinders can last even longer. On the other hand, underground propane tanks can have a shorter average life expectancy, between 20 to 30 years, depending on the soil type and whether the tank was installed properly.

Rand Wade will come to your North Carolina home or business to assess your situation and find the propane tank solution that will meet all your needs. Contact us today for more information—and for a FREE estimate.